[He takes up his glass and disappears behind the curtain in the rear.
SIEBENHAAR
[Sitting down at a table near the piano.] Weren't you just singing, Mr. Wermelskirch? Don't let me interrupt you, please.
WERMELSKIRCH
What? I? Singing? That's hardly possible! You know how deeply this business affects me. But if you say so it must be true. Permit me to sit down by you. Bring me a glass of beer, too, Franziska!
SIEBENHAAR
When one considers that you were completely hoarse three or four years ago, you must admit that you've recuperated remarkably.
WERMELSKIRCH
You're quite right. But what good does it do me? I've half way crawled out of the slough. But who knows what'll happen now?